Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has formally confirmed a direct narrative hyperlink between two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most anticipated upcoming movies, revealing that the occasions of The Fantastic Four: First Steps will lead straight into the storyline of Avengers: Doomsday. Feige’s announcement, made throughout a presentation on the CineEurope commerce present, solidifies long-held fan hypothesis that was sparked by a revealing post-credits scene in Thunderbolts*. The affirmation establishes the First Household’s introductory film not simply as a standalone story however as a vital prologue to the subsequent main Avengers crossover occasion. This locations the long-lasting group on the instant heart of the universe-spanning stakes of the Multiverse Saga upon their arrival within the MCU.
Warning: Spoilers beneath for Thunderbolts*
Feige’s official announcement pays off a significant tease from the post-credits scene of Thunderbolts*, which is about 14 months after the formation of the government-sanctioned New Avengers. In that scene, the group detects an “extradimensional” ship getting into Earth’s orbit, with a satellite tv for pc view revealing the vessel is adorned with the Fantastic Four’s traditional brand. This improvement gives a transparent narrative bridge, explaining how the group, whose personal movie is about in an alternate, retro-futuristic Nineteen Sixties-inspired timeline, arrives in the principle MCU. The catalyst for his or her interdimensional journey is probably going the movie’s major antagonists, Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner), who threaten their world’s existence. Nevertheless, we nonetheless don’t know for sure how the Fantastic Four will probably be faraway from their MCU timeline.
Helmed by director Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will introduce audiences to Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Girl, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/the Factor. With the solid already confirmed to seem in Avengers: Doomsday, Feige’s announcement underscores the dimensions of the risk posed by Physician Doom and the central function Marvel’s First Household is poised to play within the franchise’s future.
The Highway to Avengers: Doomsday
The await Avengers: Doomsday has been prolonged following a big shift in Marvel Studios’ launch schedule that pushed the movie again seven months to a brand new date of December 18, 2026. This delay is reportedly as a result of immense scope and scale of the mission, which insiders have described as one of many largest films Marvel has ever produced. Avengers: Doomsday‘s colossal solid checklist, introduced throughout a livestream occasion in March, helps these claims, with dozens of actors already confirmed and extra bulletins promised. The story will assemble heroes from throughout your entire historical past of the MCU and past to face its major antagonist, Physician Doom, who will probably be performed by former Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr.
The crossover’s roster unites MCU veterans like Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Anthony Mackie (Captain America) with the total Thunderbolts* group, together with Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova) and Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes). They are going to be joined by the principal solid of The Fantastic Four: First Steps and fan-favorite characters from Fox’s X-Males films, together with Patrick Stewart (Professor X) and Ian McKellen (Magneto). The secrecy surrounding such a large ensemble is intense, a lot in order that even veteran actor Tom Hiddleston, who reprises his function as Loki, realized about his official casting announcement alongside the general public.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps will probably be launched in theaters on July twenty fifth, with Avengers: Doomsday following on December 18, 2026.
How do you assume the Fantastic Four’s arrival will set off the occasions of Avengers: Doomsday? Share your theories within the feedback!